Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Teens
May 19, 2025
A Form of Cognitive Therapy With Mindfulness Training
It’s common for kids to feel occasionally anxious at school or irritated at home but more dangerous behaviors are cause for alarm. When a teen or adolescent is showing more concerning behaviors like unmanageable mood swings and self-harming, it’s hard to know where to get support. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a great place to start the journey.
What is DBT?
DBT focuses on teaching their patients tangible skills to manage intense emotions, cope with uncomfortable situations and improve their relationships. During individual and group sessions, therapists encourage a nonjudgmental attitude and emphasize acceptance and compassion.
Many teen patients in DBT have characteristics associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders and other mental health conditions. Rather than viewing things in extremes of black and white, DBT encourages people to recognize there’s more than one way to view a situation
People can start to learn the power of managing fearful thoughts with DBT. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), DBT is particularly effective for kids and teens who feel overwhelmed by uncontrollable sadness or worry.
Through the years, DBT has adapted to combine more traditional psychotherapy talk techniques with mindfulness training (yoga, meditation). DBT can emphasize balancing acceptance, goal setting and preparing for change.
DBT helps teens manage their emotions and feelings
Components of DBT can be individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching and therapist consultation teams. A psychological team works together to set patient goals and provide a supportive treatment framework.
As a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT therapy can help patients recognize and reroute negative thoughts and behavioral patterns, such as:
- Impulsive urges
- Cutting
- Binge eating
- Insomnia
- Unstable emotions
- Substance use
- Suicidal thoughts
The foundation of DBT seems simple enough: Thoughts influence feelings – and feelings influence behaviors. By accepting confusing thoughts and painful feelings, troubled kids and teens can improve their emotional responses and decision making.
DBT offers mindfulness tips and stress-relief coping skills
Therapeutic DBT teaches teens to stay grounded in the present moment, showing how to reduce anxiety symptoms in the moment. Additionally, DBT can teach tolerance skills, which helps kids manage uncomfortable situations without resorting to rude behavior.
DBT emphasizes therapeutic treatments to help patients build a strong support network and communication skills that are crucial for recovery. Deliberate practice exercises may focus on practicing a single skill that allows kids to respond calmly and effectively to difficult social and school situations.
DBT is versatile and effective for a range of mental health conditions. Its structured approach provides a sense of stability and routine for teens who may be experiencing distress and depression.
Contact Willow Springs Center in Northern Nevada
Call 775-858-3303 or complete the interest form for information. Inpatient and outpatient services at Willow Springs Center in Reno offer therapeutic programs for teens with behavioral issues, anxiety conditions and substance use disorders.
If you believe your teen is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or seek the nearest emergency department. For physical health emergencies, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.
